Mack Wilberg

Born: 1955. Living in: United States

Mack Wilberg was appointed music director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on March 28, 2008. Prior to this appointment, he served as associate music director of the Choir and conductor of the Temple Square Chorale. He was appointed to those positions in May 1999.

As music director, Dr. Wilberg oversees all musical and creative aspects of the Choir, the Orchestra at Temple Square, the Temple Square Chorale and the Bells on Temple Square, including selecting repertoire for concerts, recordings and tours and providing the creative direction for the weekly Music and the Spoken Word broadcast. He is also involved with selecting and training new Choir members.

This wonderful collection brings together seven well-loved carols, all newly arranged by Mack Wilberg for high voice and piano. Featuring a range of Christmas texts, including 'Bring a torch, Jeannette, Isabella', 'Deck the hall', and 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', it also offers two carols with alternative, original foreign-language options (French and Catalan). With a delightful variety of musical styles and moods, this volume is perfect for recitals, services, and concerts at Christmas time.

Songlist: Bring a torch, Jeannette, Isabella , Cold December's winds were stilled, Deck the Hall, In the bleak mid-winter , Sing lullaby! , The Twelve Days of Christmas, What child is this?

This wonderful collection brings together seven well-loved carols, all newly arranged by Mack Wilberg for high voice and piano. Featuring a range of Christmas texts, including 'Bring a torch, Jeannette, Isabella', 'Deck the hall', and 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', it also offers two carols with alternative, original foreign-language options (French and Catalan). With a delightful variety of musical styles and moods, this volume is perfect for recitals, services, and concerts at Christmas time.

Songlist: Bring a torch, Jeannette, Isabella , Cold December's winds were stilled, Deck the Hall, In the bleak mid-winter , Sing lullaby! , The Twelve Days of Christmas, What child is this?

This exciting and diverse collection features eight of Mack Wilberg's popular arrangements for the Christmas season. These carols have been revised with new scorings for SATB choir and piano or organ expressly for this collection. Whether fast and upbeat or steady and warm, this music reveals Wilberg's talent for arranging and will be a welcome addition to Christmas programming for choral societies and church choirs. Mack Wilberg is the Music Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He was appointed Music Director in March 2008, having served as Associate Music Director since May 1999. He is a former professor of music at Brigham Young University, where he received his bachelors degree; his masters and doctoral degrees are from the University of Southern California. In addition to his conducting responsibilities he is active as apianist, choral clinician, composer, arranger, and guest conductor throughout the United States and abroad. In addition to the many compositions he has written for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, his works have been performed by artists such as Renee Fleming, Frederica von Stade, Bryn Terfel, The Kings Singers, and narrators Walter Cronkite and Claire Bloom. Wilbergs arrangements and compositions are performed and recorded all over the world. With their grandeur, energy, and craftsmanship, they inspire performers and audiences everywhere.

Songlist: Carol to the King , Gloria tibi Domine, How far is it to Bethlehem? , Infant Holy, Infant Lowly , Lullee, lullai, lullo, lullabye, Still, still, still, The Virgin Mary had a baby boy, What shall we give?

This anthology of 9 mixed-voice anthems combines new material written specially for the collection with established favourites from the Oxford catalogue, some of which appear here for the first time with SATB scoring. Containing both accompanied and a cappella pieces, and with festive anthems (with keyboard or orchestral accompaniment) alongside short, gentle blessings, Mack WilbergAnthems contains an attractive selection of pieces suitable for a variety of liturgical seasons and will appeal to all mixed-voice church choirs.

Songlist: Beautiful Saviour, Benediction, Brother James's Air, I sing the mighty power of God (O little town of Bethlehem), King of glory, King of peace, Morning has broken, O Light of Life!, O praise ye the Lord, The Morning Trumpet

With a text by David Warner on the parable of The Prodigal Son from St Luke's Gospel, this dramatic choral work brings to life the ancient, universal story of reconciliation and belonging. The closely woven text and music feature an expansive range of expression-plaintive, exuberant, and resolute-before concluding with a transcendent coda that gives way to reverberating 'Amen's. With echoes of some of the minimalist elements of Wilberg's Requiem, as well as Arvo Part, Henryk Gorecki, and John Tavener, the work is scored for mixed voices without soloists, allowing the choir to function like a Greek chorus-sometimes narrating, sometimes participating in the action, sometimes reflecting on it-all underpinned by organ, or orchestra, or chamber ensemble.

In a style influenced by Vaughan Williams and Finzi, this work evokes a reflective and sometimes other-worldly atmosphere. The seven movements may be sung as individual pieces. The text is in Latin for some movements and English in others.

Songlist: Requiem aeternam, Kyrie, I will lift up mine eyes, How lovely is thy dwelling place, O nata lux, The Lord is my shepherd, I am the resurrection and the life

The five arrangements are in various scorings. One is accompanied by piano three hands, another by organ, and the rest are for piano. Each hymn is beautifully arranged and is a wonderful addition to any service or concert programme.

Songlist: Amazing grace, Down to the River to Pray, His voice as the sound , My God, my portion, and my Love, My Song in the Nigh

This Sephardic wedding song, with rhythmic variety and lively melody, calls to mind gypsies and the Romantic Moorish flavour of Spain. It has a folk-like feel with drums, percussion, and hand-clapping adding to the flamenco flavour. The first line translates as 'Oh, the bridegroom wants no money'.

Mack Wilberg's arrangement of 'Old Hundredth', paired with William Kethe's popular hymn of exaltation, builds from a simple opening to a rich-textured, rousing conclusion, with a soaring soprano descant for the last verse. An alternative ending is included, providing the option of finishing the piece more softly if preferred.

This is the first of Wilberg's three American carols. You can find the others using their ID (Blessings of Mary - HMC1584 and Sunny Bank - HMC1585). These are good concert pieces either individually or as a set and can be used for Christmas or for general use. This one starts things off with a bang; the second song is quietly impressive and the third is lively and dance-like. Difficulty Level: Medium Middle School, High School or Easy Adult.

Easy concert arrangement for SATB, with keyboard or small orchestra from Four Christmas Carols: O, Green and Shimmering Tree - Good Day - Fum, Fum, Fum - I Saw Three Ships. Difficulty Level: Easy Middle School, High School or Easy Adult.

Setting a text by David Warner, this charming composition has a warm, memorable tune and rich, expansive harmonies. Wilberg masterfully moves through different keys and scorings, culminating in a stirring unison 'amen'. Benediction has been recorded on the CD Heavensong: Music of Contemplation and Light, and is ideal for use both in concerts and services throughout the year.

A wonderful arrangement of the great American folk song. Can be performed with fiddle, bass, guitars, woodblock and tambourine. Fiddle and string bass parts sold separately. Difficulty Level: Medium Advanced Adult. Duration - 00:07:00.

Mack Wilberg's very successful SATB arrangement of this rousing American folksong has been aptly set here for male chorus. Although the piece can be effectively performed with piano accompaniment alone, the optional fiddle, guitar, woodblock, tambourine and string bass will add just the right kick. Difficulty Level: Medium Advanced Adult.

This jovial and spirited carol is sure to bring a smile to many faces at Christmas-time. The traditional text is augmented with additional lyrics by David Warner, and Wilberg puts the melody through a wealth of festive musical treatments. Voices range from unison up to six parts, with some verses in canon, and the music goes through five different keys, keeping everyone on their toes! The piano-duet part not only accompanies the choir but adds several layers of interest and colour, with a bass drone, glittering flourishes in the upper register, and passages evoking sleigh bells. Perfect for use as a closing piece or encore in a Christmas concert.

Wilberg's arrangement of the Christmas favourite Deck the hall is bright and energetic from beginning to end. After an uplifting introduction going through several keys, the choir sings the three carol verses in up to seven parts. The accompaniment provides both a harmonic underpinning and almost continuous flourishing semiquaver movement. Further modulations throughout the piece lead to an extended 'fa la la' section to bring the piece to an exhilarating close.

Adapted from a version originally written for baritone Bryn Terfel, this choral setting of Wilberg's arrangement presents the popular Welsh hymn (Cwm Rhondda) with two English translation options, reflecting text preferences of different denominations. The accompaniment and harmonies provide a new flavour, and a reflective opening gradually gives way to a powerful sense of reverence.

Written for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, this new arrangement of the well-known spiritual is presented in two versions: one for mixed chorus and the other for men's voices. Each version opens gently with an effective unaccompanied unison section, and the accompaniment and further choral parts are gradually added. In classic Wilberg style, the piece builds up verse by verse with expanding textures, via two upward modulations, towards a grand and triumphant climax, leaving no doubt about the joy expressed in the text. Orchestral material is available on hire/rental.

Written for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, this new arrangement of the well-known spiritual is presented in two versions: one for mixed chorus and the other for men 's voices. Each version opens gently with an effective unaccompanied unison section, and the accompa niment and further choral parts are gradually added. In classic Wilberg style, the piece builds up v erse by verse with expanding textures, via two upward modulations, towards a grand and triumphant cl imax, leaving no doubt about the joy expressed in the text. The male-voice version of He's gotthe whole world in his hands features on the CD 'Men of the Mormon Tabernacle Cho ir', with the Orchestra at Temple Square, conducted by Mack Wilberg.

A setting of the hymn Samanthra, this piece combines the original tune's simplicity with rich musical texture and majesty - the hallmarks of Wilberg's style. His voice as the sound features on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's CD 'Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing: American Folk Hymns & Sprituals' (SKU5014332).

Wilberg's arrangement of Robert Lowry's text and melody is a beautifully reflective take on the well-known hymn. Simple vocal lines are enhanced by a gently flowing accompaniment, rich in suspensions and harmonic interest. This part can be played on the piano, or by the unusual combination of flutes, cors anglais, harp, and strings.

This anthem combines original music by Mack Wilberg, words by David Warner, and the celebrated hymn tune 'Old One Hundredth', which emerges from heralding voices, cleverly and majestically interwoven. Hymn of Praise is on the CD 'Glory! Music of Rejoicing' (2012) recorded by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra on Temple Square.

Here is a fairly advanced concert piece for SATB (div) with piano or small orchestra from Four Christmas Carols: O, Green and Shimmering Tree - Good Day - Fum, Fum, Fum - and Away in a Manger. Difficulty Level: Medium Advanced Middle School, High School or Medium Adult.

The third and final movement of Dances to Life. The vocal writing and keyboard accompaniment create a grand anthem extolling life and the contributions that our lives make to the world. An uplifting ending to a sometimes playful, otherwise serious work, the bells simulated in the percussion and keyboard celebrate the cycle of life from beginning to end.

This joyful take on the festive favourite would be the perfect ending to any Christmas concert. The choir grows from unison to eight parts, and a string of modulations keeps the audience on their toes. The orchestration features sleigh bells and brass interjections.

Coming from the repertoire of Gregorian chant, Jubilate Deo is part of Mack Wilberg's Tres Cantus Laudenti (Three Songs of Praise). It is arranged for special services, taking advantage of the accompaniment for brass and/or organ with percussion. Difficulty Level: Medium Advanced Adult.

This short, energetic piece sets words by contemporary hymn-writer Mary Louise Bringle. The text is full of positivity and hope, and Wilberg's use of a 7/8 time signature keeps the verses propelling forward joyously, while undulating quavers shape the refrains. Several key changes are supported by a continuously rhythmic accompaniment in the form of piano duet or large orchestra, and an instrumental interlude precedes the third and final verse.

This piece features a lovely modal tune in a folk lullaby perfect for Christmas. The verses alternate between rich four-part and unison voices (or solos), and the choruses end in warm-hued, velvety major chords. The carol rises nicely to a climax, the chorus breaking into shining five-part harmonies.

Celebrating the deeply personal comforts offered by hope and faith, My Song in the Night is a calm and solemn piece. Its simple harmonies, supporting piano accompaniment, and reflective text are suitable for choirs of all levels, and allow for a moment of quiet reflection during mass or a busy concert programme.

This meaningful text by David Warner is accompanied by beautiful leaps and subsequent suspensions in the memorable melody, which is supported by rich textures in the organ and orchestra. Appropriate throughout the year, this piece is especially suited for Pentecost. Orchestral material is available on hire.

This exquisite arrangement of an American folk hymn will be a universal favourite with choirs of all ages and levels. The atmospheric tune is perfectly offset by the floating instrumental counter-melody, while the keyboard or orchestral accompaniment brings harmonic depth and gravity to the music. A wonderful addition to the choral repertory. Orchestral material is available on hire.

This lovely arrangement of the popular American folk song perfectly captures the sense of loss and longing in the words. From the gentle unison opening, the music builds up through a range of textures and harmonies to a rich climax, before gently relaxing for a quietly evocative close. Ideal with either piano or orchestral accompaniment.

This lovely arrangement of the popular American folk song perfectly captures the sense of loss and longing in the words. From the gentle unison opening, the music builds up through a range of textures and harmonies to a rich climax, before gently relaxing for a quietly evocative close. Ideal with either piano or orchestral accompaniment.

This subtle setting of the popular carol is soft and gentle, never louder than mezzo-piano. The ethereal background starts in a high register with a repeated figure that evokes tranquility. A different setting for TTBB unaccompanied is also available.

This gentle arrangement of Will L. Thompson's words and melody (1880) is ideal for mixed-voice choirs of all levels of experience. The melody is sympathetically treated, with simple vocal harmonizations alongside unison singing, reflecting the humble message of the text: 'Jesus is calling, come home'. The accompaniment, for piano or small orchestra, creates a lush bed of sound over which the voices resonate.

This is the third of Wilberg's three American Carols. These are good concert pieces either individually or as a set and can be used for Christmas or for general use. This one is lively and dance-like. Difficulty Level: Medium Middle School, High School or Easy Adult. Duration - 00:02:30.

This gentle setting of the traditional Welsh lullaby features a new English text by David Warner. An alternative Christmas text is included. The story depicts someone at the end of life who is asking to be led into eternal life. The altos sing the text of the hymn, while the sopranos, tenors, and basses accompany them on "oo." Accessible for most church choirs and suitable for performance throughout the year.

This new composition by Mack Wilberg is a perfect example of the beauty of simplicity. Combining words from the eighteenth and twenty-first centuries, the text of Thou lovely source of true delight portrays an affectionate yet powerful sense of reverent praise and wonder. Wilberg's music is the ideal match, with an original, tuneful hymn melody running throughout, amid a variety of choral textures and dynamics, all underpinned by affecting harmonies in the accompaniment.

Setting two verses of the Irish traditional carol, Wilberg's version opens simply with unaccompanied unison men, before the piano creeps in gently. Upper voices take over and an imitative section leads to a more dramatic, thicker-textured section. The carol melody's slightly haunting, modal qualities are complemented by colourful harmonic touches, and a final statement of the melody in the piano brings the piece to a calm close.

This is the first piece in Wilberg's Dances to Life. The text speaks of the wonders of childhood, and the music is playful and dance-like, set mainly in 7/8. The choral writing is uncomplicated, and the piano and percussion portray the playfulness and impishness of children.